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Moocher neighbors need solid boundaries

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

If you have used this same password for any other accounts, you should reset, and make sure it is only dedicated to the Wi-Fi.

The main issue here is not with your sister's predictable behavior, but with your marriage. On the one hand, your husband seems to have laid down the law without discussing it with you. On the other, you have chosen to completely disregard his decision without telling him.

I'm all for family members (and neighbors) helping each other, but your sister just moved in next door, and already your marriage has been affected. This is mooching to the extreme, because these neighbors seem to have taken your spousal trust in one another. I hope you get it back.

Moochers need enablers to thrive. You should develop some healthy parameters soon, because you are on your way to becoming your sister's keeper.

Dear Amy: I have two daughters in their 20s. When I was going through the divorce with their father a decade ago, I received legal papers from another woman who was suing him for child support. Apparently, he'd had a child with her.

I don't know if my ex-husband is aware that I know this.

We have both since moved on, and are remarried to other people. My daughters don't know they have a sister. I always thought that when they were old enough, they should be told. I know they would be thrilled to know her. I don't, however, know how this other girl's mother feels about it.

I know my ex does not have a relationship with this child, who is probably a pre-teen now. I'm torn about disclosing this.

-- Torn

 

Dear Torn: Your daughters should be told that they have a sister. They should be told because it is true. This is not a dilemma where the knowledge of it will ruin people's lives; this is simply something that is true that they should know about.

You should start with your ex-husband. Tell him that this has been weighing heavily on you and that you feel strongly that your daughters should be told. Give him the opportunity to find a way to tell them. If he declines, then you should tell them yourself, answering as many questions as you can. The other child's mother will be in a position to either welcome or inhibit a relationship between these siblings.

Dear Amy: Shame on the nosy grandmother who discovered the grandsons' pot stash during a visit ["Grounded Dad"].

She has broken any confidence of the boys, in fact the whole family, first by snooping while a guest in the kids' room, and second by ignoring the request of the father to let him handle it. She would not be welcome in our house.

-- Not a Snooper

Dear Not: I agree.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)


 

 

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